In this piece, producer Angela Ixim talks to a member of her family, Tio, about how he is dealing with COVID-19 as an undocumented person who is considered an “essential worker.” Essential workers are out on the front lines of the virus helping society continue to move forward, but what does that mean for someone who does not have access to any help if they get sick? As an undocumented person, "you only survive by working" says Tio. Undocumented workers are often underpaid, work long hours, and are at risk.  Ixim talks with Tio about his fear about getting sick but also his fear for his status in America.

Produced by Angela Ixim.  Thank you Tio for your openness, thank you, Professor Sarah, for the platform, thank you Nathan Fitch, and The New Yorker (where a version of this story was featured earlier in the year.)